Creativity in Engineering and Computer Science

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Questions and Answers

What key trait is essential for creativity in engineering?

Curiosity (correct)

Technical knowledge

Routine thinking

Strong leadership skills

Which of the following is a benefit of using mind mapping?

Time-consuming

Focuses on linear thinking

Ignores emotions

Organizes ideas visually (correct)

Which step is NOT part of the Six-Step Bio-Inspiration Strategy?

Identify natural solutions

Explore solutions

Reformulate solutions

Ignore natural systems (correct)

What is the main role of creativity in computer science?

It aids in problem-solving and debugging. Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to combine or modify existing ideas?

SCAMPER Signup and view all the answers

In encoding information, which type is associated with visual representations?

Visual Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of creative marketing significantly impacts brand loyalty?

Audience emotions Signup and view all the answers

What does metacognition help a person to do?

Understand their own thought processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Jenga Theory in creativity?

Adding or subtracting elements to foster new ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motivation is linked to enhanced creativity?

Intrinsic motivation driven by personal satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which brainstorming technique focuses on identifying obstacles by generating undesirable solutions?

Negative Brainstorming Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of concept maps?

They show relationships between abstract ideas. Signup and view all the answers

In a Vee Diagram, what is represented on the left side?

Conceptual information related to the problem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of extrinsic motivation in the context of creativity?

It may hinder creative thinking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of concept maps?

Defined sections for only factual information. Signup and view all the answers

Which creative technique involves envisioning the best possible solution without limitations?

Ideal Final Result Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Creativity in Engineering

Key traits include curiosity, openness to new experiences, a willingness to take risks, and the ability to observe details while solving problems without fear.
Examples of creative engineering include bullet trains designed to withstand earthquakes, inspired by kingfisher birds; Dyson's bagless vacuum cleaners; floating wind farms (Hywind Scotland) providing power for 20,000 homes; and translucent stadium roofs that function like cameras.

Creativity in Computer Science

Creativity is essential for coding, problem-solving, and debugging.
Developers need to imagine solutions, iterate through code, and refine programs.

Creative Thinking Techniques

Mind Mapping: A visual tool for organizing ideas using central images, colors, symbols, and keywords.
SCAMPER: A technique to modify existing ideas: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, and Rearrange.
Six Thinking Hats: A technique for managing the thinking process focusing on different aspects of a problem: White (facts and data), Red (emotions and feelings), Black (risks and problems), Yellow (benefits and positives), Green (new ideas and alternatives), and Blue (managing the thinking process).

Bionics

Bionics applies natural systems to modern technology. Examples include aircraft designs inspired by birds and insects.

Metacognition

Metacognition is the awareness of one's own thought processes.
The metacognitive cycle includes assessing a task, evaluating strengths and weaknesses, devising a strategy, applying the strategy, and reflecting on and adjusting the approach to improve.

Encoding Information

Encoding information is important for problem-solving and generating ideas.
Types include semantic encoding (meaning of words), visual (charts, maps), acoustic (sounds, speech), tactile (touch-based), and elaborative (linking new information to existing memories).

Creative Marketing

Creative marketing combines brand recognition with audience emotions to build brand loyalty.

Theories of Creativity and Innovation

Different theories explore the process of creativity and innovation.
Some consider the "Jenga theory" of adding or removing elements; systems theory looking at relationships between elements; the functionalist theory highlighting stability of parts, the interpretive theory focused on individual perspectives, and radical humanist theory emphasizing a free mind.

Motivation and Creativity

Intrinsic motivation, driven by personal satisfaction, enhances creativity.
Extrinsic motivation, driven by external rewards, can hinder creativity.

Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming techniques include negative brainstorming for obstacle identification, the gallery method, and role-playing.

Concept Maps

Concept maps are diagrams showing the relationships between concepts. They use concepts, linking words, a hierarchical structure from general to specific to identify a focus question, and connections to different domains.

Vee Diagrams

Vee diagrams are visual tools for analyzing complex problems. A structured approach is given that includes using a focus question, conceptual information for the left side, experiments or actions on the right side and a middle to connect the two sides.

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Description

Explore the vital role of creativity in both engineering and computer science. This quiz covers key traits of creative thinkers, innovative examples from engineering, and essential techniques in creative problem-solving applicable to coding. Test your understanding of these concepts and how they contribute to technology and design.